2009 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE check transmission fluid

WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light illuminates and then turns off. This
indicates the ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
9Brake system9in the9Starting and driving9sec-
tion.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the parking
brake is applied.Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid level.
If the light comes on while the engine is running
with the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the drive belt. If the belt is loose, broken, missing,
or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN dealer
immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the drive belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) check
warning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on for about 2 seconds.
If the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the CVT system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Instruments and controls2-11
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cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. See “Warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) model:
Move the shift selector to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector is in any of the driving
positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift selector to N (Neutral) . De-
press the clutch pedal to the floor.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON position.
Depress the brake pedal and the clutch
pedal (if so equipped) and push the ignition
switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal with the ignition switch in
any position.cIf the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and while
holding, crank the engine. Release the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
cIf the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Push the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion to start cranking the engine. After 5 or
6 seconds, stop cranking by pushing the
ignition switch to LOCK. After cranking
the engine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by depressing the
brake pedal and pushing the push-button
ignition switch to start the engine. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the
above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, push the ignition switch to the
OFF position and wait 10 seconds before
cranking again, otherwise the starter
could be damaged.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-10Starting and driving
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To move the shift selector, complete the following
procedure:
1. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-
tion.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover as
shown.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
release slot and push down.
5. Move the shift selector to the N (Neutral)
position while holding down the shift lock
release.
6. Push the ignition switch to the ON position
to unlock the steering wheel. Now the ve-
hicle may be moved to the desired location.
If the shift selector cannot be moved out of P
(Park) , have a NISSAN dealer check the trans-
mission as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the selector lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is depressed,
the stop lights may not work. Malfunction-
ing stop lights could cause an accident
injuring yourself and others.
Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid temperature
protection mode. If the fluid temperature be-
comes too high (for example, when climbing
steep grades in high temperature with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer) , engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to reduce
the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed may be
limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. The MIL may
come on to indicate the fail-safe mode is
activated, see “Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)” in the “Instrument and controls” sec-tion. This will occur even if all electrical
circuits are functioning properly. In this
case, place the ignition switch in the OFF
position and wait for 10 seconds. Then
push the switch back to the ON position.
The vehicle should return to its normal op-
erating condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have a
NISSAN dealer check the transmission and
repair if necessary.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature protec-
tion mode or fail-safe operation occurs,
vehicle speed may be gradually reduced.
The reduced speed may be lower than
other traffic, which could increase the
chance of a collision. Be especially care-
ful when driving. If necessary, pull to the
side of the road at a safe place and allow
the transmission to return to normal op-
eration, or have it repaired if necessary.
Starting and driving5-15
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................8-8
Changing engine coolant........................8-9
Engine oil.........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level........................8-9
Changing engine oil...........................8-10
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-12
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid......8-13
Power steering fluid...............................8-13
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-14
Brake fluid....................................8-14
Clutch fluid...................................8-14
Window washer fluid.............................8-15
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-15
Battery..........................................8-15
Jump starting.................................8-17
Drive belt........................................8-17
Spark plugs......................................8-18Replacing spark plugs.........................8-18
Air cleaner.......................................8-19
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-19
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-20
Cleaning.....................................8-20
Replacing....................................8-20
Brakes..........................................8-21
Self-adjusting brakes..........................8-21
Brake pad wear indicators......................8-21
Fuses...........................................8-22
Engine compartment...........................8-22
Passenger compartment.......................8-24
Battery replacement..............................8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key™.......................8-26
Lights...........................................8-27
Headlights....................................8-27
Front park/turn/sidemarker light.................8-27
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-28
Wheels and tires.................................8-34
Tire pressure..................................8-34
Tire labeling...................................8-38
Types of tires..................................8-41
Tire chains....................................8-42
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-43
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CAUTION
cUse only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid
NS-2-V. Do not mix with other fluids.
cUsing transmission fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2-V will
damage the CVT, which is not covered
by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
When checking or replacement of CVT Fluid is
required, we recommend your NISSAN dealer for
servicing.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122° - 176°F (50° -
80°C) or using the COLD MAX range on the
power steering fluid reservoir at fluid tempera-
tures of 32° - 86°F (0° - 30°C) .
If the fluid is at or below the MIN line, add Genu-
ine NISSAN PSF to HOT MAX or COLD MAX
depending on system fluid temperature. Remove
the cap and fill through the opening.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
LDI0557
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
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For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WARNING
cUse only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids can
damage the brake system and affect
the vehicle’s stopping ability.
cClean the filler cap before removing.
cBrake and clutch fluid is poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked
containers out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.
BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid level is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, addDOT 3brake fluid up
to the MAX line. If fluid must be added frequently,
the system should be checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
CLUTCH FLUID
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmissions only) . If the fluid level is
below the MIN line, add Genuine NISSAN Super
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid
up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
LDI0558LDI0558
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cUse the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cNISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
cDO NOT tow any continuously variable
transmission vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground (flat towing) . Do-
ing so WILL DAMAGE internal transmis-
sion parts due to lack of transmission
lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Continuously Variable Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with a continuously
variable transmission, an appropriate vehicle
dollyMUSTbe placed under the towed vehicle’s
drive wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufac-
turer’s recommendations when using their prod-
uct.
Technical and consumer information9-23
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10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-43
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-52
Air bag warning light...........1-58, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter............8-19
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation..........4-13
Air conditioner service...........4-20
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-11, 4-18
Servicing air conditioner..........4-20
Air flow charts..................4-14
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-25
Anchor point locations.............1-27
Antenna.....................4-45
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-11
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-24
Armrests.....................1-11
Audible reminders................2-16
Audio system..................4-21
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-34, 4-40
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-29FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-27
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer.............4-31, 4-38
Radio....................4-21
Autolight switch.................2-30
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-45
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-14
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-29
Automatic door locks...............3-5
AUX jack..............4-30, 4-36, 4-42
B
Battery......................8-15
Charge warning light............2-11
Before starting the engine...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-17
Block heater
Engine....................5-29
BluetoothThands-free phone
system..................4-46, 4-61
Booster seats..................1-39
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-24
Brake fluid..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Brake system................5-23
Brake warning light.............2-11Brake wear indicators........2-16, 8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-18
Self-adjusting brakes............8-21
Brakes......................8-21
Break-in schedule................5-20
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-32
Brightness/contrast button...........4-7
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-10
Bulb replacement................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-45
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-43
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-34, 4-40
CD player (See audio system).........4-29
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-27
Child restraints..........1-18, 1-23, 1-25
Precautions on child
restraints............1-23, 1-33, 1-39
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-27
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-16
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
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